Overview of Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is a city with spirit, energy and passion that maintains a sense of community among local residents. The city is home to more than 91,000 people, and boasts the perfect environment for both families and the students who come each year to study at the University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa is home to restaurants with regional appeal, exciting nightlife and numerous historical attractions and is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors and residents alike. Look for Tuscaloosa apartments for rent, and experience the flavor of the South.

Living in Tuscaloosa, AL

Native Americans from the tribes of the Alabama, Choctaw and Iroquoian-speaking Cherokee were among the first inhabitants of the Deep South more than 12,000 years ago and lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They developed a complex agricultural society over time, and built settlements in the Ohio and Mississippi River Valley. When European settlers made contact and started moving in after the War of 1812, there were still six tribes in the area. After they ceded their lands to the United States in the Treaty of Cusseta, the city was named after Chief Tuscaloosa and had a brief stint as the capital of Alabama.

Tuscaloosa grew quickly, and played an important role in the Civil War as the home of the Bryce State Hospital for the Insane. The city received a system of locks and dams on the Black Warrior River that opened up trade and industry between Tuscaloosa and the Gulf seaport of Mobile. Today, Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama and many large manufacturing plants that make the city a pillar of the global economy.

Tuscaloosa Work and Study

Tuscaloosa is a vibrant college town, home to one of the most spirited student populations in the South. The University of Alabama is the largest school here, and is joined by Shelton State Community College and Stillman College to offer unique higher education opportunities.

For those seeking work, Tuscaloosa has a very diverse economy driven by manufacturing and service, retail trade, transportation, finance, information, private enterprise, mining, construction and hospitality. The industrial giants of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, the Elk Corporation of Alabama, BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing, Phifer Incorporated and the Gulf States Paper Coorporation, along with a Mercedes Benz assembly plant, are very prominent employers in the area. Tuscaloosa also has a large government presence, with 18 percent of local residents working in federal, state and local government agencies. Tuscaloosa apartments make the perfect home base for workers looking to take advantage of the booming Tuscaloosa job market.

Rentals in Tuscaloosa, AL and Cost of Living

The comfortable Southern lifestyle brings many new residents to Tuscaloosa each year to enjoy very affordable rent prices. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the average apartment here costs $722 a month, which is more than $130 less than the national average. Everyday life in Tuscaloosa is very affordable, as the city received a cost of living index significantly less than the United States average. Whether near campus, downtown, or in the Northport neighborhood, Tuscaloosa apartments are sure to please.

Tuscaloosa Attractions and Special Events

Tuscaloosa is home to many attractions for people of all ages, including The Arc’s Annual Golf Tournament, Tuscaloosa Farmers Market, Miss Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Open Golf Tournament, Head Bangers Hair Show, Johnny Shines Blues Festival and the West Alabama Christmas Parade, among others. Local residents also enjoy the events centered on the University of Alabama, including football games, student performances and acclaimed speakers.

To find a Tuscaloosa apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.

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